Arsenal confirm signing of Gabriel Paulista on 'long-term' deal

Gabriel Paulista has moved to Arsenal on a long-term deal(Getty Images)

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of defender Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal on a long-term deal that sees Joel Campbell join the La Liga club on loan until the end of the season.

The Gunners have confirmed a work permit has been granted for the Brazil centre-back, who will be eligible to play in the Champions League and could make his debut against Aston Villa on Sunday 1 February.

Campbell, who has not made a single start in the Premier League this season, will spend the remainder of the campaign with Villarreal in order to gain further first-team experience.

"I came from a club that is not that big in Brazilian football," Paulista told the Arsenal official website. "I went to Spanish football and that was another dream come true, to play in Europe.

"A while ago I had a really huge desire to play in the Premier League, so since that point I put it in my head that I really wanted to do it.

"I had a talk with my family and I told them that it was my dream to play in the Premier League. Getting here to such a big club is so gratifying.

"I am arriving at a big club and the fans can expect to find a Gabriel with a great will to help everyone. Not just thinking of me as an individual, because to me that is not important. I care more about helping the team and my team-mates.

"I want to help everyone, so the fans can expect a Gabriel that on the field has a lot of will to be able to help the team win important things."

Paulista's move to Arsenal have been long drawn out, with the club having to appeal for a work permit through the Football Association after the player failed to automatically qualify having not represented Brazil at international level.

But with the deal now completed, Paulista is ready to take his place in an injury-hit Arsenal defence and says manager Arsene Wenger was an influential figure in his signing.

"He asked to sign me and that gives me more strength and the will to be able to work. I see that he's a coach that has been here for many years and this is important, not only for the team but also for the club.

"This is very important for everyone that works here in the club, to have a coach like this."